August 13, 2010 | Celeb Watch

You know the world is coming to an end when ...

Yesterday Federal judge Vaughn R. Walker, the man who found California's Prop 8 against gay marriage unconstitutional, said that same-sex marriages in the state could resume as early as August 18. This would give those with an opposing view the opportuity to file an appeal to his decision.

Someone who may not be flustered at the thought of men exchanging rings and kisses? Glenn Beck. (Pause for collective gasp.)

The conservative talk show host is raising eye brows after he appeared on Bill O'Reilly's show to talk about whether gays should or should not be allowed to wed. Beck, known for his emotional outbursts and often poorfly fact-checked rants, seemed relatively sober in his opinion.

"Honestly, I think we have bigger fish to fry," he opined. "You can argue about abortion or gay marriage or whatever all you want. The country is burning down...I don't think marriage, that the government actually has anything to do with...that is a religious right."

O’Reilly asked, "Do you believe gay marriage is a threat to the country in any way?"

Beck replied, "A threat to the country? No, I don't. Will the gays come and get us?"

Now, Beck is not an ally and will most likely say something irrational and misinformed within the next hour, but the change in tone could mark a retreat from one of the right wing's biggest bugaboos: gay marriage. And if a guy like Beck can slowly turn a corner, maybe, just maybe,  there may be some positive change afoot in America.

Glenn Beck: Marriage Equality Not a Threat [The Advocate]